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AU says heartened by decisions of Ethiopian and Eritrean leaders to settle differences

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2018 (FBC) –The African Union (AU) has expressed its delight with the decision by Ethiopian and Eritrean leaders to proceed in a new direction by overcoming two decades of stalemate.

“We are heartened by the strides made by the leadership of Eritrea and Ethiopia toward the normalization of relations,” said Paul Kagame, current Chairperson of AU, and President of Rwanda.

He was speaking at the opening of the 31st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Mauritania, yesterday.

The Chairperson further reiterated the AU’s readiness to assist the two countries.

“You have the African Union’s unwavering support,” he noted.

Kagame also condemned the recent bomb attack at rallies held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

“As a Union, we stand with the peoples of Ethiopia and Zimbabwe in their pursuit of peaceful political change. We condemn the violent attacks and convey our condolences for the lives that have been lost.”

The Chairperson further praised the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for its mediation efforts in South Sudanese peace process.

“I wish to acknowledge the encouraging steps in the South Sudan peace process, thanks to the mediation of the IGAD-mandated Heads of State.”

The African Union expects the parties to fully abide by the agreements, he said.